The surface chemistry of kaolinite. II. Catalysis of n-butane decomposition

Abstract

The catalytic activity of kaolinite before and after acid leaching for the decomposition of n-butane between 669 and 727 K has been compared with that of alumina natural and precipitated, and silica. The catalysis of hydrocarbon reactions on oxide surfaces appears to involve oxygen atoms which may be attached to the solid surface either physically adsorbed as the gas, as part of the lattice, or possibly as attached hydroxyl groups. Dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbon appears to be the first important step, suggesting that adsorption of the reactant involves interaction of the hydrogen atoms with lone pair electrons of surface oxygen atoms.